Napa, California

The Napa Valley Wine Train invites you to step back in time as you board its restored Pullman cars, where polished wood and large windows frame sweeping vineyard views. From the moment the train’s whistle sounds, you’re transported through the heart of Napa Valley, winding past historic wineries, sunlit vineyards, and the rustic beauty of California wine country. Onboard, chefs prepare multi-course meals paired with carefully selected wines from the region. With options from sunset dinners to tasting tours with winery stops, the Wine Train offers a memorable way to experience Napa’s flavors and landscapes.

Mirroring the elegance of British tea gardens and royal, manicured estates, The Hess Collection Winery on Mount Veeder offers a blend of Napa history, fine wine, and contemporary art. Founded by Donald Hess in 1978, the winery offers immersive tours, guided tastings, and access to a remarkable art collection showcased throughout the property. Known for its sustainable vineyard practices, Hess lives by the mantra “nurture the land and return what you take,” ensuring that each visit not only celebrates craftsmanship but also honors the land itself.

The Chardonnay Golf Club features an 18-hole championship golf course set among Napa’s picturesque Chardonnay vineyards. Designed to challenge players of all skill levels, the course boasts a balanced layout with six par fives, six par fours, and six par threes. With five sets of tees—Professional, Tournament, Men’s, Seniors, and Ladies—you can customize your game to suit your ability. The club also emphasizes conservation, with designated wildlife preserves integrated into the landscape, creating a habitat that coexists with the fairways.

Westwood Hills Park invites visitors to escape into three miles of well-marked trails winding through shady oak groves, open grassy meadows, and quiet ridges. Here, you’ll find panoramic views of the Napa Valley that make the climb worthwhile. Benches and picnic tables are thoughtfully scattered along the way, offering spots to catch your breath, take in the landscape, or enjoy a packed lunch. By the parking lot, the Carolyn Parr Nature Museum, run by Napa Valley Naturalists, opens a window into the region’s rich biodiversity. Inside, interactive exhibits explore Napa County’s distinct ecosystems, from wetlands to woodlands, with a hands-on “touch table” featuring animal pelts, nests, and bones—a favorite for kids and curious adults. The museum also includes a children’s nature library and a reference corner for anyone looking to dig deeper into Napa’s flora and fauna.